Somewhere i read that it depends on whether its a casting or spinning rod. Is there a "protocol" for which is the "most correct". I wont go into why Im asking.

Strictly personal preference! If you notice, even the maufacturer's vary. Personally, I prefer the threads forward on my spinning rods because the way I hold them, my finger/thumb can rest right on the blank (no or small fore grip). With some this way causes the back of the hand to rest on the threads and find it uncomfortable. Depends on how you hold your rod. In some cases, it can also affect rod balance because it slightly changes the reel position. In either way, I always cut off any excess threaded material

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

Well it ended up with the threads near the foregrip but it wasnt intentional. For all practical purposes the rod is finished and is drying at the moment. I was finishing up the finish and as I sat there all of a sudden Im looking at the reel seat and said ^(*@##......my real seat is backwards! AND too top it off I forgot to trim the threads back.
I guess since it feels very comfortable with good balance its six of one half a dozen of another. But it sure makes me want to bite the head off a railroad spike. Thanks Mr .Mike

With a spin rod, it usually makes no never mind, and with a larger baitcaster, they are usually downlock. This so the holding hand will not want to loosen the reel with the style of grip, used to "palm" the reel, as the threads would be up front, by the digits.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/02/2006 12:04PM by Ken Driedger.

Lately all my seats have been downlocking with the threads on top. I have a tendancy to loosen the threads with the palm of my hand on spinning rods with uplocking seats. The trend of trimming the threads on downlockers is appealing as is the no foregrip style. My last several rods have been built this way and the four I am currently working on will be as well.

Other than those reasons...it's really up to the builder.

Jay

I have also noticed when using a spinning rod with the reel seat threads to the rear or butt that i would have to check freqently to see if the reel was secure. So maybe all is well. I just cant figure out how I didnt catch this before I assembled and not trimming off some threads???. I actually am glad that I have a chance to try this out because I did find the reel loosening annoying. Thanks for getting me straight on this isse.